Can-opener.



UNITED STATE CHARLES \V. HUNTER,

a-r'nimr met.

0 F GARDINER, MAINE.

CAN-OPENER.

srnornroarron forming art of Letters Patent No. 695,055, dated March 1 1902- Application filedll une 22,1901. 'Serial No. 65,691. (No magi.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES W. HUNTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Gardiner,in the countyof Kennebeo and State of Maine, have invented anew and useful Improvement in Oan-0peners, of which the following is a specification.

This invention is an improved construction of can-opener, the object being to provide a simple and inexpensive construction of canopener which can be quickly and easily adjusted to fit different-sized cans, and one which will open the top of the can with an even cut, thereby permitting the can to be used a second time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can-opener which shall be absolutely safe in operation; and with these objects in View the invention consists in the peculiar construction of the various parts and in their novel combination or arrangement, all of whichwill be fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings formingpart of this specification, Figurel is a perspective View showing the practical application of my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section. line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is adetail perspective view of aha'ndle and one clamping member. Fig. 5 is aperspective view of the other clamping member and shank. Fig. 6 is a detail view of the cutter. Fig. 7 is a-slight modification. Fig. 8 is a transverse section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7.

In carrying out my invention I employ two clamping members A and B, which are adapted to clamp the upper opposite edges of the can. The memberA comprises the plate A, which is adapted to rest upon the top of the can, and the depending flanges A which are adapted to grasp or clamp the side of the can, said flanges being moved substantially in the arc of a circle in order to snugly fit the side clamping member A has a shank O integral therewith, said shank being connected to the Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the clamping member A by means of an oitset or shoulder C, so that the shank G rests in the plane above the plate A. The shank O is slotted longitudinally for the greater portion of its length, as shown at C and the underface of the shank is formed with a series of transverse serrations G The clamping member 13 is formed with an integral handle portion D, said handle portion having openings D, and a plate B also has an opening D The shank 0 extends across the plate B and also along the handle D, said shank and handle being connected by means of a bolt E and Wing-nut E. The upper face of the handle D is provided with transverse serrations D which are adapted to mate With the serrations 0 upon the bottom of the shank, thereby securely holding the two clamping members A and B in their adjusted positions. The cut ter F comprises a blade F and a shank F said shank being arranged at a right angle to the blade and formed with an opening F through which passes the bolt G, said bolt passing also through the opening D and also through the longitudinal slot in the shank. A wing-nut G is arranged upon the upper end forthe purpose of securely connecting the cutter to the clamping memberB.

In Figs. 6 and 7 I have illustrated a slight modification, in which the shank 0 Works" under the plate B and between the flanges B The handle D is also shown as separate from the clamping member, the bolt which serves to secure the cutter serving also to connect the handle, clamping member, and shank. The serrations are also produced upon the upper side of the shank. The general operation, however, of the device is substantially the same as in the construct-ion shown in Fig. 1.

In practice I prefer to construct my oan= opener of pressed steel; but it can be made of cast or malleable iron, if so desired. It .will also be understood that certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broad principles of my invention.

By. having the clampingv members A and B adj ustably connected and provided with the cutter arranged between them I am enabled to cut a circular opening in the top of the can quickly and easily and without the slightest danger of slipping. In operation the clamping members are adjusted to fitthe can, and the tool is then placed upon the top of the can and the cutting-blade forced down through the top. By means of the handle the blade is forced around the flanges,guiding the movement of the device, and a perfect circular opening will be made, thereby rendering the can capable of use a second time.

Having thus fully described my invention, WhatI claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isr l. A can-opener comprising the oppositelydisposed clamping members, one having a shank integral therewith and the other havinga handle member integral therewith, said shank and handle members being adapted to be secured together,-and a cutting-blade attached to one of the clamping members, substantially as shown and described.

2. A can-opener comprising the clamping members, each clamping member consisting of a blade and depending flanges, a shank integral with one of the clamping members, and the handle integral with the other, means for connecting the shank and handle portions, and the cutting-blade attached to the plate of one clamping member, substantially as shown and described.

3. A can-opener comprising a pair of oppositely-disposed clamping members, each member consisting of a blade and depending flanges, a longitudinally-slotted shank integral with one clamping member, and an apertured handle integral with the other member, means for connecting the shank and handle, and the cutter adapted to be secured to the blade of one of the clamping members, substantially as shown and described.

CHARLES W. HUNTER.

Witnesses:

HENRY FARRINGTON, HARRIETTE L. KEENE. 

